California Notary Requirements for Credible Witnesses
As a California notary, I often encounter signers who don’t have acceptable identification. When this happens, credible witnesses are a legal solution—but only when handled correctly. Over time, I’ve seen confusion, mistakes, and even rejected notarizations because of misunderstandings about credible witness requirements. In this article, I’ll share California’s rules, best practices, and common pitfalls so you can confidently navigate credible witness notarizations. What Is a Credible Witness in California? A credible witness is someone who personally knows the signer and can swear or affirm their identity to the notary. California law allows credible witnesses as an alternative to traditional photo ID, but strict conditions apply. The goal is simple: protect the integrity of the notarization while ensuring access for people without valid identification. When Can I Use a Credible Witness? I rely on credible witnesses only when the signer lacks acceptable identification as...